Top 5 Kenyan Rich Entrepreneurs Under 40
The young generation plays a very important role in steering the economic and social development of every country. Despite the many challenges such as lack of capital, mentorship and mistrust from the older generation, some of these young people have made a mark on the entrepreneurial space. Some have showed that you do not have to wait until you are fifty to start a business and make impact on the livelihoods of people. The following are some remarkable rich entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Erick Kinoti
This aggressive entrepreneur ventured into a niche that has not been explored by many. His company, Shades Systems E.A Ltd, manufactures military and relief tents, restaurant canopies, branded gazebos, luxury tents, car parking shades and marquees among many other products. He was listed by Forbes Magazine among the most promising entrepreneurs in Africa in 2014. He has also featured on Business Daily’s top 40 under 40 twice. He is also a mentor and was voted as the most influential SME personality during the SOMA awards. His company has estimated annual sales of over USD1 million.
Rajiv Mehta
This young entrepreneur owns Tangerine Investments which is a market leader in outdoor advertising. His company uses street poles, public transit vehicles and litter bins to market brands in Kenya. Some notable brands that have worked with Tangerine include Coca Cola, Kenya Airways, HP, Subway and Pizza Inn just to mention a few. Rajiv started this company in 2008 from his savings and now has subdivisions in Kenya and beyond. Some of them are Tangerine Printing & Design K) Ltd, Tangerine Outdoor (N) Ltd in Nigeria and Advert Shoppe (U) Ltd in Uganda. The business makes over USD1 million in revenue every year.
Eugene Mbugua
As of this publication, Eugene is just 27 years old but dinning with who is who in the entrepreneurial scope. He is in the entertainment space and produces some famous shows such as the Young Rich, Get in the Kitchen and Stori Yangu. He owns Young Rich Television Limited and his aim is to create a positive image and perception of the African continent. This company has more than 7 branches and plans to open more are underway. He also owns My Yearbook Kenya Ltd which a publishing company that publishes yearbooks for the government, schools and companies.
Zammer Verjee
This budding entrepreneur is the founder of Studio AZ which is a firm that focuses on both interior and exterior designs. He started the company in 2012 from his savings of about Kes 53,000 he had saved while still in the university. The company is worth more than Kes 51 million with 11 full-time employees and over 75 subcontractors. Forbes Africa named Zammer among top 30 most promising entrepreneurs in Africa. He also featured in Business Daily’s top 40 under 40 list of 2016.
Lorna Rutto
This young lady is a Sustainable Living and Green Technology Entrepreneur. She founded EcoPost in 2009 and converts plastic waste to durable fencing posts. She has won many awards for her innovative business that helps conserve the environment. Some of them include Green Award by the Transform Kenya Awards and World Wildlife Fund’s Nature Award. She previously worked in the banking industry but resigned to venture into a cause that would help save the environment. The venture has converted over one ton of waste into posts and saved more than 300 acres of forest.
